All parts are replaceable therefore the machine will last as long as you need it. Service it at an interval appropriate to its usage and water quality (and depending on the boiler material) and I'd say you are going to have it as long as you want to.
Myself and my best friend each have ROcket machines (giotto's) and both are going strong after 10 years; hers looks brand new and gets used every day.
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How long should a semi-commercial coffee machine last?
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Thanks for the responses so far. The reason for my question is that I was getting the upgrade itch on my 14 year old VBM. My thought process was that if it was 3/4 the way through its life and if the used market values it at around 40% of new price (pointy end machines were in the low 2's back then), then why not sell and upgrade?
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I would have thought that something like an ECM would be good for 20 years plus if it's truly looked after. Gaskets will need replacing of course. I like Caffeinator idea VERY much of seeing inside the machine, with pics or in person. That's just super smart. Sure, if it's a $200 machine maybe not.
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A very definitive word that! And assuming 'those' that own(ed) it had a basic understanding of what 'cared' entails.Originally posted by garbage View PostWhat's the expected lifespan of a semi-commercial machine like an Expobar/VBM/ECM that has seen daily use? 10 years? 20 years? Assuming it has been cared for.
I long ago gave up on the stupid idea that All 'those' in cafe's luved coffee luved the challenge of producing good coffee.
Have I in recent times given up on the stupid idea that 'most' in cafe's are in it for the cash flow / money.....nup.
I.E. Cafe commercial std water filtration does not mostly in a lot of areas around Aust filter the water to totally overcome scale longterm.
And Most machines are swapped out by the roaster/supplier within 5-7 years.
Ill point you to post of mine some 5years ago where I was getting crazy flow rates out of a machine I was testing /pulling sample shots from.
My own Known roast / grinder/ basket seeking a set shot recipe / taste result. Anyway to drill straight to the end I was getting varied results from the first GH, stuff this Ill go to the 2nd GH - same same. What the ..... 3rd Gh had a single basket - Note I was using my own basket - AND didnt pick up on 'It' (doh) ATPIT - but then went to the third GH / Handle and bingo flow was different and nearer what I expected.
Bottom line the story....GH 1&2 where the most used on this machine (usual major issue right there!), And for instance the Hole in the PF Handle is 3/8inch old school imperial Italian, (10mm) Well either of handles 1&2 was so carbonized up with old grinds that I reckon I wouldn't have got a pin head thru them at that point.
I asked the cafe mngr - Whats your cleaning regime here? "OH daily" .......Really !
And the National Roaster / Machine supplier they were contracted to had its MD in a National paper puff piece a year or so later trumpeting How they value Servicing their cafe sites including maintenance / hygiene / cleaning blah blah blah.
So do your due diligence beforehand. A check internally including the Gicleur (Jet) would be expecting to show up scale, measure (weigh) unrestricted flow rate from each grouphead, etc.etc.
You'll find that both Expobar / Wega may not be the highest profile / best performing machines out there But are reliable, easier to maintain, parts in normal times more available than others and able to be maintained at home in the right setting.
GL with it.
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My Expobar Minore is 16 years old and still going strong. I think it does depend on water hardness to a large degree and whether the owner has been diligent about softening the water, as scaled-up innards are the most expensive thing to replace. Most other wearable parts are easily replaced for small change.
EDIT: I did have to replace my temperature controller a few years back and that was a $200+ job (did myself).
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How long should a semi-commercial coffee machine last?
What's the expected lifespan of a semi-commercial machine like an Expobar/VBM/ECM that has seen daily use? 10 years? 20 years? Assuming it has been cared for.

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